In these uncertain and disturbing economic times, there’s at least one thing that’s looking a bit (ahem) bullish: Immortals.
The R-rated fantasy—loosely pegged to the legend of the sword-slinging, minotaur-fighting Greek hero Theseus—triumphed at the box office this week, grabbing $32 million and the week’s metaphorical golden fleece (I know I’m mixing legends, but bear with me). Theseus crushed the hydra-like presence of two Adam Sandlers in the film Jack and Jill. He defeated the towering tabby from Puss in Boots. For one week, at least, this ancient, gore-spattered champion reigned supreme.
Granted, Immortals didn’t look particularly immortal at the local multiplex. Its $32 million take was less than half of what the equally gory and gladitorial 300 plundered in 2006. Furthermore, Jack and Jill and Puss in Boots proved to be semi-worthy adversaries: Sandler’s universally panned movie still managed to collect $26 million (from people who obviously didn’t read our or any other review), and Puss in Boots’ $25.5 million take represented less than a 23% drop in week-over-week ticket sales. The colossal kitty still has some bounce in its paws … it’s just getting a little long in the tooth.
A third newcomer, Clint Eastwood’s highly anticipated J. Edgar, was a box office disappointment: The biopic landed in fifth place with $11.5 million, finishing just behind Tower Heist.
None of these numbers are particularly eye-popping, and I have to wonder whether moviegoers are biding their time, anticipating the barrage of big-name movies to be released this holiday season.
If so, the wait is nearly over: This Friday, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner will land in theaters with The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn (Part One)—presumably followed by 12 gazillion girls and women.
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